Workmen's advocate., 1887-05-07
AFRAID OF CRITICISM.
Opinions on the Attempted Boycott
 of the Unmuzzled Press.

lhc Slalt llIclleCbs oi bllc EAtCU- tive Board of the Noble and Holy Order of Knights of Labor have "put their foot in t'again, it seems. As is known to the readers of the WoRKMEN ADVOCATE, these gen tlemen have been criticized for com hitting acts both unconstitutional and of doubtful value to the Order and the labor movement, such as ordering the expulsion en masse of cigarmakers who were members of their trade union; ordering striking members back to work; forbidding certain local and district assemblies composed of men of advanced thought, appropriating part of their own funds for political action in or der to carry out the principles of the Order; talking too much through the capitalist press, etc. The result of this criticism was that the official Journal of the Order, "edited" by one of the brightest geniuses of the executive constellation, published a list of papers worthy of the support of such as worshipped at the shrine of the immaculate congestion. Such papers as John Spinton's. the Denver Labor Enquirer, Henry Georges Siandard, and others con ducted by men of brains and nnder-' standing were, naturally, left out of the '1ist." Subjoined are a few comments from some of our ex- changes, which do not indicate that the little immaculates have mended matters by their pnny attempt:
 A tendency is shown to put muzzle on the labor press. To the extent this is successful its power for good will de- part. Reflected opinions, purchased eulogiums, and truth perverted through fear will take all the vitality out of the labor press. Even now those papers which have the courage of their convic- tions are looked upon with suspicion.- Washington CraJfsman.
 Only such pppers as will fall down and worship the little Napoleon of Massa- chusetts' can have the sanction of his royal highness; but it seems strange that the official organ of the Order should be used to boycott the manhood of labor journalism. Chicago Labor Enquirer.
 Fred. Turner has, in the official jour nal of of the K. of L.. "a list of labor journals we take pleasure in recommend- ing" In this list we do not find Pitts burg labor paper. Nor in fact, any pa per published in the United States, which has dared to criticize the official action of that gentleman. n.-IWsbtVg Lubor Hefuld
 It seems that those journals that have bad the presumption to condemn certain acts of the Executive Board are not en- titled to its friendly consideration. Among them are some of the ablest labor journals in the country. It is to be greatly regretted that the list should have been published, for it shows nar- rowness of comprehension of it's effect. If the managers of the official journal had been men of mental penetration they might have seen the result of an action so ill-advised. It is a reflection on their administration and their intelli- gence.--N. Y. Union Printer.
 There must be an end of vain bigotry and short sighted intolerance among the Headers" of the forces of labor. r.-Joi,h IS~inton'S Paper.
 And from the same paper we clip the following. also, which will top off the whole matter quite approprl- ately:
 "'From bad crow bad egg. = Great Jones what quantity of bad eggs the present ruck of grabocrats will leave behind them. Chloride of lime will he i'm prpaf demand Iatar nn v